Grealish is expected to meet with Villa's chief executive Tom Fox later this week and will be reminded of his responsibilities following further unwanted publicity for the teenager.

Pictures of the attacking midfielder allegedly on the floor worse for wear circulated on Twitter on Sunday evening and Villa are taking the matter seriously, though it is unlikely the club will discipline him.

Grealish has already been warned over his conduct by Tim Sherwood, the Villa manager, after he was photographed inhaling nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'laughing gas'.

This latest incident will do little to help his reputation, though sources close to Grealish insist it was a practical joke that backfired and that he was not "paralytic", contradicting the claim by Briony King who posted the picture on the social network.

Villa's statement read: "The club is aware of the photographs of Jack Grealish currently circulating. We will be meeting with the player but any action will remain an internal matter."

Grealish remains at the centre of an intense battle between England and the Republic of Ireland over his international future, with a decision likely to be made in August.

The 19-year-old made his first Premier League start this season under Sherwood and later impressed in the 2-1 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup semi-final.